Question - Downs Testing

I am confused. I know that there is Level 1 and Level 2. I had a Level 1 a few weeks ago and I am going back in 3 weeks to the special sono place where I had the Level 1. (Ocean Perinatology in Plainview)
The day of the level 1 they made an appointment for me for another sono 4 weeks after the Level 1.

I just saw my regular doctor and asked him if I really have to go back again b/c he has his own sono equipment. I will only be 17 weeks then and he said that I have to go back for another sono and more bloodwork. He said this was more Down's testing and bloodwork.

Does this make sense? Are there really 3 separate sono/bloodwork tests for Downs?

Everything came back normal at the Level 1.

Then I will have the Level 2 at Ocean Perinatology at 20 weeks, I guess.

I am so confused!

Message edited 2/5/2011 7:15:53 PM.

Re: Question - Downs Testing

my first OB said they send you to the lab for testing at 12w and 20w. my new OB sends you at 12w, 16w and 20w. The 16w scan tests for neural tube defects and does additional testing for downs. I think some just go with the 12w testing for downs and do the neural tube defect testing at 20w, and others do it 3 separate occasions.

I personally am happy to have the extra sono

Re: Question - Downs Testing

I had a sono and bloodwork done at 12 weeks that tested for Down's, trisomy 18 and some other things (i think).
When I had my 16 week appt, the did bloodwork again - this also tested for the things listed above and spina bifida.
Then had another I had my level II at 20 weeks...no bloodwork.

Re: Question - Downs Testing

Thanks! I guess my OB sends me to another place for certain appointments because they probably have better equipment! I am happy to have an extra sono at 17 weeks! I hope I found out if its a boy or a girl!

Re: Question - Downs Testing

yes there are separate blood tests for down's. and you can have the blood tests done at different places but they all have to go to the same lab to be processed.

I had an issue with this because I switched dr's right in the middle of completing all the blood work. I didn't realize there were different parts to the test and they all needed to go to the same lab. I was at the new dr's office and they HAD to take the blood test that day but they didn't know where to send it. So I had to call the old dr's office to find out where they send the other part of the same test so the new office could send it to the same lab.

So yes, what your doctor told you is true.

Re: Question - Downs Testing

Thanks for the info!

Re: Question - Downs Testing

the level 1 usually happens at 12w. that's the sono for downs. you'll have the level 2 at 20w. there is bloodwork associated with the level 1. some OBs do it just once at 12w and the others do it at 12w and 16w.

Message edited 2/5/2011 9:15:57 PM.

Re: Question - Downs Testing

I went for bloodwork at 11 weeks and then the next week at 12 weeks I had the sono for NT where they look at the neck and spine, then the next sono is the level 2 around 20 weeks.

They used a different sono company for my 2nd sono because it is more in depth, but they were still both in the Dr's office, I gues sit depends on what equiptment your Dr. office has.

Re: Question - Downs Testing

NT Scan & bloodwork at 12wks (level1)

Then more test & bloodwork for Spina Bifidia at 16wks

Then isfyou choose the amnio/bloodwork at 20wks

Thats what my Dr told me and yes the use Ocean P as well. Of course my office (Long Beach/Garden City Women's HealthCare) has their own equipment for the level 1 & Spina Bifidia but if i needed the amnio i would have had to go Ocean P. But thankfully my NT Scan came back great & i dont have to have the Level 2. Goodluck

Message edited 2/5/2011 10:38:24 PM.

Re: Question - Downs Testing

Thanks everyone! This was really helpful!!